In all the world, no butterflies migrate like the Monarchs of North America. They travel much farther than all other tropical butterflies, up to three thousand miles. They are the only butterflies to make such a long, two way migration every year. Amazingly, they fly in masses to the same winter roosts, often to the exact same trees. Their migration is more the type we expect from birds or whales. However, unlike birds and whales, individuals only make the round-trip once. It is their children's grandchildren that return south the following fall.

When you can find Monarch butterflies in Big SurMonarch Butterflies return to Big Sur in October and migrate north in January. You can see them clustered in the trees early in the morning. During the day you'll see them flying around.

Where you can find Monarch butterflies in Big SurYou will see butterflies all over Big Sur, however Andrew Molera State Park is one of the better places for observing them. This is where they roost in the Eucalyptus trees in Cooper Grove (the grove of Eucalyptus trees by the Cooper Cabin) along the Big Sur River.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of our Pinot Noir Reserve will be donated to The Nature Conservancy to benefit Andre Molera State Park.